Automotive in Woodbridge, VA

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Tips & Advice

How can you negotiate a good price with a car dealer?

If you want to negotiate a deal with a car dealer know what you want going in, understand the market value of the car, and have a budget. If a dealer will not negotiate, simply go to their competition (even between dealers of the same brand)--someone will lower the rate to get you into the car. Be sure to shop late in the year or at year-end sales when dealers are purging inventory for the new models. here are also many places to shop online and get a new car without even leaving your home.

Is it better to get a car loan from a bank or a dealer?

It is better to get a loan from the lender that gives you the best deal. Lending institutions are in this to make money and that can fuel fierce competition for your business, which gives you the advantage. Dealerships can offer great financing deals if you look around and shop the competition – and so can banks. Get rates and compare. Chances are good someone will look to beat competitor’s quotes, especially dealerships that are pressured to make sales quotas, often in lieu of actual profit on the vehicle.

How much of a down payment is required to buy a car?

All down payments are different and are determined by several factors, starting with your credit. If you have good credit you might qualify for no down payment. How much is the car? Are you buying or leasing? Is it a new or used car? Is it a dealership or an independent car lot? What are your financial capabilities? All of these will factor into your down payment and future payments. Be aware that if you go with no down payment, your actual monthly payments will be higher. You are still purchasing something over a period of time, and they have to recoup that money somewhere. Some dealers use no down payment as an incentive to lure you in, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are paying less.

Can you trade in a car that is not paid off?

Absolutely! It is very common to trade in a car that is not fully paid off. The dealership assumes the remainder of the contract and you get a new (or pre-owned) vehicle.

Do car dealerships buy cars?

Many, but not all, car dealerships will buy your car. Practically all of them will accept your car as a trade-in if you are buying a car from them. Used car dealers make their living on buying and selling used cars. If they think can make money on your car, even if it is as a trade-in that puts you in a new car of theirs, it’s a good bet they will buy your car. Luckily there are so many options now for selling your car, you should not have a problem finding a buyer quickly, just with a little research.

What are the signs that a radiator may need to be repaired or replaced?

There are several sign that your radiator needs repair or replacement. First and most obvious, is steam emitting from your radiator from overheating. A leak in the radiator may cause an unusual smell that is noticeable while driving as leaking radiator fluid lands on hot exhaust manifolds and steams. Puddles under a parked car are another sign. Your heater not working is often a good sign because, and most people do not know this, heat from the heater is drawn from the radiator. If the fluid is low or empty, the heater will not work. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge if you have one. Know what your normal operating temperature is. Steam, chemical smells, heater malfunction and puddles are strong indicators.

Does a car radiator need to be removed to be repaired?

A radiator does not always need to be removed to be repaired. For instance, small pinholes in the radiator can often be effectively repaired by pouring an over-the-counter sealant into the radiator. As the sealant circulates, it finds the hole and plugs the leak. This is a very common fix. Hoses and clamps do not require radiator removal. Larger fixes and radiator replacement are a different situation and, obviously, will require removal.

How long will a repaired radiator last?

Depending on the severity of the damage, the availability of parts, and the competency of the mechanic, radiator repair is easily done in a day. If parts need to be ordered, that can delay the process. A radiator repair should not take more than two days.

Are car radiators repairable?

Depending on the severity of the damage, most radiators are repairable. Small holes, broken hoses and clamps, cores, and thermostats, etc., are all easily repairable or replaceable by a competent mechanic. Severe corrosion is not fixable, so stay on top of changing the fluid and consult your owner’s manual or service technician for guidance. A collision-damaged or severely blown radiator is probably not fixable and will likely need replacement.

What are the different types of radiators?

There are three basic types of radiators; brass and copper, plastic, and aluminum. Brass and copper radiators are the sturdiest and most efficient at cooling, but are heavier and more expensive than their counterparts. Aluminum radiators are much cheaper to produce and weigh up to 1/3 of the standard brass and copper radiators. Plastic radiators are cost efficient from a manufacturing standpoint, excel at efficient heat removal and are very light weight which increased fuel efficiency. All three are good options.

We came here to get my daughter a new vehicle and we were very happy with the service provided the staff. They were patient, helpful, and listened to our wants. We recommend coming here if you're looking for a new car!

I had an awesome experience with Stephen B. He was amazing he made sure that I was able to afford the monthly note on the vehicle that i wanted. I am very excited about my new car and I cant wait to show it off!

I had an amazing experience! I felt the positive energy and it made me feel good. Everyone was cheerful and it kinda kept my spirits high. Most places you just sit around playing the waiting game and get scared and anxious but they made me feel welcome! I love my new cruze.

I have been going to Lake Ridge Auto for years and have been completely satisfied every time. Now when I come in I’m even greeted by staff personally. They always explain every detail about my car service in a way that I can understand and I trust their opinions and recommendations. Great customer service!

I was debating on trading in my car or trying to figure out if i could just get it fixed. It was an easy decision once i drove past koons and saw my dream vehicle. A Q7!!! I went in and the process was so easy. Early birthday gift to myself!

hobbs was great! he made sure i was happy about my purchase. i actually enjoyed my time at the dealership he made sure i was comfortable and that i was taken care of. I ended up trading in my truck for my 2014 lexus es350 . It was the best decision i ever made.

Julio was amazing and i wish i had met him before i had purchased my last car from . He was very helpful and he made sure i had the features i wanted. i was afraid i would not be able to get financed but he made it happen ! He didnt stop until he was told yes. He made me believe in myself and i was so excited that i was able to get into a car that i really liked! im really blessed !

Kendra didn't pull any tricks or try to make me buy something i didnt want . She also didn't harass me and gave me time to make my decision. Everyone there showed me nothing but kindness and gave me reasons to smile and joke with them. Best car buying experience I've ever I also got a real good deal on an extended warranty.

Great luxury selection. Super friendly and accommodating employees and quick enough process that I didn't feel pressured in any way . Kenn was very helpful with all of my questions and made sure I was comfortable.

Did You Know?

Finding An Auto Repair Professional

There are more than 700,000 auto service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. Finding the right one to repair a dent in your car door or fix an engine that won't start can be overwhelming, especially when it's an emergency. Review a few important facts about auto repair professionals and what you can do to get the best possible mechanic working on your vehicle's issues for a fair price.

Looking For Reliability
Unlike home repair services that evaluate a property, meet with homeowners and have time to prepare before their physical work begins, auto repair businesses are often asked to make fixes on the spot. If you come into a garage with a tire issue, the expectation is the mechanic will know how to correct that problem quickly.

That is why reliability is so vital when searching for a trusted auto repair shop. It may take going to several different mechanics before you find one you are truly comfortable with. Pose questions to this professional to find out what approach they will take to repair your car or what alternatives are available. Shopping around also gives you the best opportunity to find the cheapest rate or the fastest service, as some garages may be backed up with other vehicles that need repair first.

A recommended way to locate a trustworthy auto repair professional is to seek out customer reviews. Online sites offer honest opinions from real customers who have used a business. Read through this feedback to learn how a business operates and what you can expect if you were to take your vehicle there. Look for reviews about how quick maintenance was completed and if prices were fair. By learning what other people have said about a garage, you can gain a better idea if it's the right place to go when you have a car problem in need of fixing.

Understanding When There's An Issue

It can be difficult to know which automotive problems are serious enough to require expert assistance. A ripped seat cushion or broken radio don't involve safety and will not warrant enough of a problem that going into a garage is required. However, setbacks with brakes, lights and other parts that are vital to the safety of your car's driver and passengers, as well as others on the road, necessitate quick fixes. Many modern automobiles will notify drivers of an issue, in the form of a signal on the dashboard or a noise within the vehicle.

In the event of an accident, even if your vehicle does not appear to have any damage on the outside, it is generally recommended that you see a trusted auto repair professional. Internal damage may have occurred, or an important part may have been knocked out of place. Fixing these issues before driving much further can prevent further vehicle breakdowns in the future. In the case of a serious accident, a body shop can assess the problems and determine the best course of action for repairs, as well as evaluate how much they will cost.

Beyond that, regular checkups are recommended. Tires must be rotated, fluids needs to be replaced and the engine must be evaluated. After driving 25,000 miles, most auto dealers suggest having the vehicle checked out to ensure everything is running smoothly. Taking the car into the auto repair professional you trust will protect you from further problems down the road.

Doing Your Own Auto Repair

Not every type of auto repair work needs to be done by a certified mechanic. You can fix some of a vehicle's issues just by paying attention to how the automobile is running and having a basic understanding of auto repair. Look over the ways weather may impact your car and what preventative measures you can take to avoid having to take it into the shop. At the same time, be aware of mechanic scams that can impact your experience.

Preventing Trips To The Professional
Some fixes to your car can be done without paying a specialist. Issues like replacing oil and air filters are relatively simple, with instructions provided in the owner's manual on how to make these changes. The same goes for replacing broken windshield wipers or burnt-out headlights. Such issues should be repaired quickly to guarantee safety, but don't require a visit to a garage. By handling these types of tasks on your own, you'll gain a better understanding for how your car operates and save time and money.

Along with understanding how to fix manageable vehicle issues that may arise, taking preventative measures to avoid future problems is a valuable time saver. Many problem-solving best practices are related to the seasons. Your vehicle will be in different conditions in the winter than in the summer, meaning it requires a different type of preparation.

In the spring and summer, you want to be sure your air conditioner and cooling systems work correctly. Given the high temperatures the vehicle will be exposed to, overheating is a common problem. Look over the system by ensuring there is enough coolant available. If it needs to be refilled, it is best to open the hood and add more to the car before it gets too warm out. Also, clean out fan ducts and other ventilation sources necessary for summertime driving.

For winter driving, features such as the defroster, heater and exhaust system are paramount. Look in your owner's manual for specific directions on how features should be checked and repaired. Many newer cars have a cabin air filter that can be replaced when needed, allowing warm air to continue to flow in. Also, check your tires before winter driving, as they need to be at the proper pressure to perform well on snow and ice.

Avoiding Scams
There is a common worry among many people that auto repair professionals take advantage of the general public. Because so many people are unaware of how to fix the problems in their vehicle, they are nervous of being overcharged by mechanics or worried that the improper work is being done.

While the great majority of professionals in the industry are honest, hard-working people, a few bad apples can ruin everything. You should be extra careful when first visiting a mechanic to guarantee that the price you're charged and maintenance the vehicle receives are fair.

Among the common scams pulled are needless repairs, where a garage charges you for work that isn't necessary. Another popular one is attracting customers through a cheap oil change or tire pressure check. Then, when you are in the shop and your car is being repaired, they give you a long list of other corrections they'd like to make, therefore boosting the total cost of your bill.

The best way to combat these types of problems is getting a written estimate before work is done. That way, you can see how much repairs are expected to cost. If the final bill is higher than the estimate projected, ask to specifically see the work. Make sure information is put in writing as well. If a problem remains, you can have proof that work was not done to your satisfaction.

By working closely with an auto repair professional and doing some of the tune-up work on your own, you will be less likely to fall for these scams. At the same time, you'll be able to drive out with a clean and healthy vehicle, thanks to the repairs made by a trained professional.